Author: Rhys Gregory

Foster Wales, the national network of 22 Welsh local authority fostering teams, set out with the bold aim of recruiting over 800 foster families by 2026, to provide safe homes for local young people. In their new campaign, ‘bring something to the table,’ the organisation will utilise their greatest asset – current foster carers – to share realistic experiences of foster care and explore the small but significant human attributes people possess that can make the world of difference to a young person in care. Foster Wales has spoken to over 100 people to develop the campaign– including foster carers,…

Located in the cellars of the 400-year-old, Grade-I listed Hensol Castle, Hensol Castle Distillery has been producing its own brand of gin since late 2021. In a short time, the distillery’s own gin products have gone on to win numerous awards and can now be found on the shelves of 15 M&S Foodhalls around Wales. The two award-winning flavours now available to purchase in M&S are: Blood Orange Zest Gin (40% ABV) and Wild Strawberry & Hibiscus Gin (40% ABV) at RRP of £30 per 70cl bottle. The craft distillery also offers Hensol Castle Welsh Dry Gin, available online and…

The Royal Mint Experience, based in Llantrisant, South Wales has revealed the first coin of 2024 visitors can strike for themselves as part of a tour of award-winning visitor attraction. The coin is His Majesty King Charles III’s definitive £1, featuring bees. The reverse design of the coin was approved by the King himself and reflects his passion for conservation and the natural world.  This is the first-time members of the public will have the opportunity to strike the new definitive £1 coin, making it a treasured addition to any collection. Coin striking is an experience loved by the thousands…

Urdd Gobaith Cymru, Wales’ largest youth organisation, has confirmed Nia Bennett as the new Chair of its Board of Trustees and Management. Two new members have also been appointed as Young Trustees of the Urdd, namely Deio Siôn Llewelyn Owen and Emily Pemberton. Siân Lewis, Chief Executive of the Urdd, said: “We are delighted to welcome Nia Bennett to chair the Urdd Board and to build on the huge contribution made by Dyfrig Davies, who has steered the organisation through significant Governance changes. I would also like to extend a warm welcome to Emily and Deio as new members of…

It can be easy to feel demotivated to lace up your running shoes and get moving when it’s cold and dark outside. But don’t let the January blues hinder your training. You may have started the year with good intentions and a renewed sense of energy for your healthy habits, so it’s important that you don’t forget your reasons for setting your goals when your enthusiasm starts to wane. Run 4 Wales Race Director, Steve Brace, is a double Olympian having represented Great Britain in the men’s marathon in the 1992 and 1996 summer Olympics. He’s also a former winner…

A Flintshire pupil who plans for a career in increasing access to life-saving medication has been celebrated through a top science award. Olivia Delaney, 18, has received the annual Synthite Science Prize after achieving A* grades in A-level biology, physics, and chemistry, while studying at the Alun School. Sponsored by the Mold-based chemical firm, the accolade goes to a sixth former who has demonstrated exceptional efforts in science, technology, engineering, and maths (STEM) in the previous academic year. The Cardiff University student started her medical pharmacology degree in September and has her ambitions set on ensuring the most up-to-date treatments can be…

On Saturday (06 January), Welsh hikers were stopped in their tracks by shocking imagery of the realities of fly-tipping in Wales — and the impact it is having on the environment not far from their favourite beauty spots. Fly-tipping Action Wales digi-vans featuring super-imposed images of fly-tipping, appeared at popular destinations in  Bannau Brycheiniog, Rhossili Bay and Eryri National Park — urging onlookers to follow their Duty of Care to help prevent Wales’ landscapes from becoming fly-tipping hot spots. Despite the Welsh Government and Fly-tipping Action Wales annual report highlighting a 4% decrease in fly-tips versus last year*, fly-tipping still…

A historic seaside hotel has undergone an ambitious green transformation to slash energy costs and reduce its carbon footprint by 84 per cent. The Grade Two listed Llandudno Bay Hotel on the town’s magnificent Victorian seafront had been closed for over two years when it was taken over by Everbright Hotels, there was no hot water to the top floor and it was facing rocketing energy costs The utilities bills were forecast to be over £300,000 but two years on its fortunes have been transformed following a major refurbishment by Everbright Hotels which has trimmed the total amount to just…

Seven men have been sent to prison for a total of 92 years and 10 months at Cardiff Crown Court today (Tuesday January 9) convicted of a series of drugs offences. The men were brought before the Court following a long and complex investigation by Tarian, the Regional Organised Crime Unit for Southern Wales which spread across the South Wales and Dyfed-Powys police areas. During the investigation cash, drugs and suspected drug dealing paraphernalia was seized, including: Approximately £100,000 cash. Around 1000 cannabis plants. 18kg of cannabis. 7kg of cocaine. Cash counting machines and industrial weighing scales. As a result…

In light of the present financial situation, Bridgend County Borough Council has stressed the importance of a list of strategic transport projects, as well as a Cabinet review of the list in the near future. Discussions at a recent Scrutiny meeting highlighted how a review of the list will ensure that all schemes are still relevant and will also consider the financial impact of future maintenance on the authority, as well as on existing infrastructure. The strategic transport list reveals which schemes could be taken forward when new funding becomes available by UK or Welsh Government, either as part of the…